SAPPHIRE Technology has just released a new feature packed mainboard based on the highly acclaimed 785G chipset from AMD, supporting the latest AMD Phenom ll processor families with DDR3 memory and on-board DX10.1 graphics as well as PCI-Express 2.0.

The SAPPHIRE PURE 785G (part number PI-AM3RS785G) is a fully featured mainboard in standard microATX format combining the powerful AMD 785G Chipset and AMD SB710 south bridge. Two DIMM slots support up to 8GB of DDR3 1333/1600 memory and there is an on-board 128MBit DDR3 sideport memory. The integrated high speed 3GB/s SATA hard drive interface caters for up to 6 devices with optional RAID functions, and there is also an Ultra DMA IDE connector. On board features include GigaBit LAN and 6-channel HD Audio with 3D audio capability as well as support for up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

The 785G chipset has integrated graphics, equivalent to an ATI 4200 series graphics card, giving full DX10.1 support for the latest games and software. The on board UVD decodes BluRay and HD DVD content smoothly with low CPU loading. DVI, VGA and HDMI outputs are provided on the backplate. Alternatively the 16-lane PCI Express 2.0 slot can be used to install high end graphics cards. Two additional 32-bit PCI slots provide additional expansion capability.

Quality is at a premium with this mainboard, which uses high-polymer solid electrolyte aluminium capacitors with extended operating temperature range for high reliability. The advance power control on this mainboard design provides stable operation for the latest AMD AM3 processor families. Designed for low power consumption, the board uses ATI PowerPlay and AMD PowerNow 3.0 with Cool n’ Quiet technologies to give the maximum performance when needed, and save power when it is not, thus delivering a superior “Green PC” experience.

The PC-AM2RS785G joins the existing SAPPHIRE range of AMD compatible mainboards which include the successful PURE Crossfire 790GX series and the PURE Element 740G for the budget conscious. Details can be found in the mainboards section at Sapphiretech.com.

IMO it's stupid that they haven't up-dated their hybrid cross-fire to include the the 4XXX series cards. What are people going to do when all the 3450 cards are gone?

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I hear ya... They started a good thing and then just kinda let it fade away.

780G/790GX + 3450/3470 allowed for a some nice gains. Overall performance was lower than what most of us here are used to, but it was enough for some and laid the foundation for future hybrid combinations.

The HD 4200 on the 785G is a 4000 series IGP in name only as it's still based on the older core. Why not HD 3250? I have no clue! The entire frickin' industry can't seem to stick to any good naming schemes it seems like! Anyhoo, I digress.

In short: I'd would have so upgraded my two 790GX systems if AMD had come out with a better showing.

Oh wow, that looks fantastic actually, I've never seen this motherboard until now, it even has a PCIeX16 (but from what I've read it only runs on x4 though) but is this motherboard available in North America?

Oh wow, that looks fantastic actually, I've never seen this motherboard until now, it even has a PCIeX16 (but from what I've read it only runs on x4 though) but is this motherboard available in North America?

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Looks pretty 8X from the pics. Would work great with one of the new Semprons (or the Athlon II if you've got a beefy enough PSU). Hybrid graphics means four display outputs too. Correct me if I'm wrong though, but doesn't 780G only have one digital and one analog outputs? I was under the impression that you could not traditionally use the DVI and HDMI in tandem. Also, because it's J&W I doubt it would make it to NA...

That said, anybody remember when ATi made chipsets before becoming part of AMD? And those badass white and black boards that Sapphire made? So here's my question... Why have they not done anything notable since then?

That said, anybody remember when ATi made chipsets before becoming part of AMD? And those badass white and black boards that Sapphire made? So here's my question... Why have they not done anything notable since then?

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Got their hands full with Radeon HD 4000. With AMD processor market share going down, as was the practicality of a high-end motherboard lineup that only supports AMD processors, and only uses AMD chipsets to do so, knowing how small the sales volumes will be.

What is the use of the "and there is an on-board 128MBit DDR3 sideport memory"
is it onboard V-RAM or what?

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Yes, in essence that. though the IGP will still need a slice of the main memory. What it allows is that you free up more main memory (decrease IGP share) and maintain the same levels of performance, or up the performance.